An archival social and technological history of 21st Century mineral processing. Barry Wills of MEI presents news and views on mineral processing, as well as occasionally indulging his passions for travel, outdoor activities, geology, history and Cornwall.

Biohydromet '14, June 9-11, 2014

The 3-day conference will focus on the latest developments in the field of biohydrometallurgy:

the development, optimisation and application of integrated biomining process operations for mineral ores, including low grade and complex ores;

the microbiology of biomining and the application of biohydrometallurgy to novel resources (such as mine and electronic wastes) and the (bio)remediation of mining-impacted environments.

Keynote lectures will be presented by two of the most highly respected researchers in this field. Prof. Barrie Johnson, of Bangor University, UK, will present "Biomining in reverse gear: using bacteria to extract metals from oxidized ores", and Dr. Corale Brierley, an internationally recognised consultant from USA will present the 2nd keynote, entitled "Integrating biohydrometallurgy in contemporary mine production".

SRCR '14, June 12-13, 2014

This will be the 3rd International Symposium on Sustainability through Resource Conservation and Recycling, sponsored by Ecoseed and Industrial Minerals. The scope of the conference can be found on MEI Online.

The keynote lecture at this 2-day event will be given by Prof. Markus Reuter of Outotec, and an Adjunct Professor at Aalto University, Finland. He will present "Metal Recycling; opportunities, limits, infrastructure". The last SRCR conference was held in Falmouth in 2011 and a full report can be found on the posting of 14 May 2011.

Presentation of a paper at either of these conferences gives you a unique opportunity of presenting your work to an international audience and also having your final paper peer-reviewed for possible inclusion in special issues of Minerals Engineering. It is also an opportunity to visit Cornwall, one of the world's most beautiful areas, steeped in mining history. Although it is the most remote area of England, the journey from London to Falmouth is a fascinating one, travelling on the famous Great Western Railway, one of the world's great train journeys (see YouTube video).